Paloma's alleged gang-rape made headlines in 1982. She sought the services of lawyer Rene Cayetano against three high-profile suspects -- Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto, and Richie D'Horsey.

She accused the trio of drugging and raping her.

Tito Sotto's purported involvement came in when he allegedly coerced Pepsi Paloma into signing an affidavit of desistance and dropping the rape complaint against the three.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joey De Leon, Vic Sotto and Richie D’Horsie issued a public apology to Pepsi Paloma which was published in the People’s Journal on October 13, 1982: "We hope that you will not allow the error we have committed against you to stand as a stumbling block to that future which we all look forward to. We therefore ask you to find it in your heart to pardon us for the wrong which we have done against you.